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The Deep Dive

The Best Short Story

By Abdul QayyumPublished about a year ago 5 min read
The Deep Dive
Photo by Steve Adams on Unsplash

Finn was the name of a baby dolphin that lived with his family in the clear, warm waters of a shallow lagoon. With sunlit waves, lively fish, and a reassuring sense of security, the lagoon was a heaven. Finn enjoyed the comforting familiarity of the lagoon, the soft currents that carried him with ease, and the amiable marine life he encountered on a daily basis. Finn was most afraid of the deep water, though, in spite of everything else.

Finn's parents had told him stories of the wide open ocean that lay beyond the lagoon. They talked of animals Finn could hardly comprehend, of towering coral reefs, and of endless depths. Wave and Luna, his elder siblings, would frequently go into the deep sea and return with tales of exploration and excitement. However, Finn was never able to make himself go with them. He had a sensation of terror at the prospect of the limitless blue below, with no lagoon floor under him.

Finn was playing by the shore when Coral, his mother, came over one bright morning. Beneath the sea, the golden sand was shadowed by her sleek and dark figure. "Finn, you're old enough now," she remarked softly. It's time to have a deep sea exploration. I believe you are ready, as does your father.”

Finn felt his heart race. But what happens if I get lost? Or what if something attempts to devour me?" he stumbled, sounding as trembling as the surrounding water.

Coral gave him a tender prod. "The water is full of wonders, yet it can also be frightening. Until you face your fears, you will never truly know how strong you are. Keep in mind that we are always close by.

Finn went to the lagoon's edge that afternoon, where the shallow waters ended and the deep water began. He gazed into the azure depths, making a vain attempt to glimpse the bottom. Though the water outside the lagoon felt darker and the currents stronger, the area felt incredibly secure. The imagined threats that loomed in the darkness raced through his imagination.

Luna appeared next to him at that moment, her eyes glistening with anticipation. "Hello, Finn!" Are you prepared to delve deeper? She tried to soothe him, saying, "I'll be with you the whole time."

With hesitation, Finn turned to face his familiar lagoon. However, he saw a flash of courage in Luna's eyes, a mix of challenge and reassurance. He slowly nodded. "All right, but keep close."

They launched themselves into the wide water with a forceful kick of their tails. The ocean floor far below was covered in mottled patterns as sunshine seeped through the water. The water got colder and the light got weaker as they continued to swim. Finn experienced a flutter of excitement mixed with a shiver of anxiety.

"Observe, Finn!" Luna yelled and gestured with her fin. A vast kelp forest below them wavered in the current, its long, ribbon-like leaves extending upward toward the surface. Numerous sized and shaped fish dashed among the verdant tendrils, while a sea turtle leisurely slid by, grazing on the algae.

Finn's eyes got bigger. He had never seen a sight so breathtaking. The kelp forest was vibrant with life, like an underwater metropolis. His sense of wonder started to replace his fear. Finn experienced the excitement of exploration and the thrill of the unknown as they dove down and waded through the kelp.

Luna guided Finn to a vibrant coral reef as they carried on their exploration. A pair of seahorses swayed gently in the stream, while brightly colored fish darted between the branches of the coral. A tiny octopus with inquisitive and perceptive eyes peered out from a crack. With a giggle, Finn forgot his earlier worries.

They continued to swim, exploring caverns and caves while in awe of the bizarre and amazing species they came across. With every new finding, Finn's heart grew larger. He came to see that despite its size and unknown nature, the ocean was something to be embraced rather than feared.

They eventually reached a sharp drop-off where the ocean floor disappeared into the shadows. At the edge, Luna paused, her eyes sparkling. Finn, this is it. the really deep ocean. Are you prepared?

Finn felt the fear from earlier resurface as he peered down into the chasm. He could not see the bottom of the black, ominous sea below. His heart was racing, and he was tempted to go back. Then he thought of the coral reef, the kelp forest, and the excitement of discovery. He nodded, taking a long breath. "I'm prepared."

They plunged into the darkness together. The light above dimmed to a faint glow as the surrounding water grew colder. Even though Finn's heart was racing, he continued to follow Luna's lead. Strange bright creatures with bodies gleaming with bioluminescence materialized as they descended. A jellyfish with glowing tentacles pulsed through the water, captivating Finn's attention.

As they proceeded deeper, Finn experienced a wave of tranquility. It was not as scary and empty as he had pictured the deep water to be. It was alive and full of marvels beyond his wildest expectations. It seemed to him that his terror had been like a shadow, expanding in the dark. However, he now discovered fresh strength in the depths of the ocean.

After a while, they started to rise, and the water became lighter and warmer. Finn felt a sense of success when they surfaced. He had overcome his fear and found an entirely new world. Even while the lagoon remained his home, he was aware that the ocean beyond it was full of opportunities.

With pride in their eyes, Finn's family gathered around him, back in the lagoon's shallow waters. "You succeeded, Finn!" shouted his father Tide. "We were confident you could."

Finn grinned, his heart brimming. He was no longer terrified as he gazed out at the vast ocean. Despite the vastness and mystery of the deep ocean, he was prepared for whatever lay ahead. He was only getting started in his exploration of the vast planet. He threw his tail about merrily and dove under the water, eager for his next adventure.

Short Story

About the Creator

Abdul Qayyum

I Abdul Qayyum is also a passionate advocate for social justice and human rights. I use his platform to shine a light on marginalized communities and highlight their struggles, aiming to foster empathy and drive positive change.

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